The Discovery Center is an urban bird sanctuary and leadership development center conceived in partnership between The Audubon Society of Pennsylvania, Outward Bound Philadelphia, and the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood. The Center offers programming aimed at connecting city residents with nature. The project site surrounds a 37-acre decommissioned reservoir.
The East Park Reservoir in the 1870's and today
South Elevation
The design relies on simple forms, including a nearly 500’ charred wood façade and site wall, to create a single, poignant portal from the city to this unexpected natural setting, drawing visitors in and heightening the experience of revelation.
The design employs a limited palette of materials. The primary exterior material is western red cedar charred by fire. This centuries-old wood preservation technique greatly extends the life of the material, embodying the paradox of natural forces that are at once destructive, restorative, and protective. The choice of building material invites another level of inquiry into both the novel ecology of the site and our inhabitation of the natural world.
The building serves as a gateway that allows visitors to access the site without requiring entry to the building. After hours, a hand forged steel pivoting security gate maintains a visual connection with the reservoir. Conceived by local artist Warren Holzman, the weathering steel gate references a long tradition of blacksmithing and decorative sanctuary gates in Philadelphia.
Entry Portal
Iron Studio
Iron Studio Pivot Gate Detail
Detail of bird strike prevention donor wall fabricated by Traction Company
Projects
The Clay Studio
Frances M. Maguire Art Museum
The Cooper
Matchbox
Bigham Leatherberry Wise Place
The Study at University City
Campus Bookstore & Development Office
Caesar Rodney Hall - Dining & Residential
W P Point
Base Camp Delta
Margaret Passmore Trickey Building
Gore Capabilities Center
Multi-purpose Building
Edible Garden and Classroom
Discovery Center
PPR Residence Hall
Jefferson School
Pavilion & Children's Discovery Garden at Sister Cities Park
Housing Northwest Arkansas
300 Rouse
150 Rouse Boulevard
Library Playspace
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Construction Training & Education Center
Arts Café Expansion & Renovation
Yards Brewery
Shallcross Hall
Bus Shelters
Gettysburg Montessori
Dogfish Head Brews and Eats
Annex Training Facility
The Global Learning Center
The Cove
201 Rouse Boulevard
351 Rouse Boulevard
Delaware History Museum
Barnegat House
Pool Pavilion
Private Residence
Rural Loft
Rittenhouse Hill
Veil Garden
East Lansing 2030
Terracurtain
Corn Mobile
DIGSAU
340 North 12th Street
Suite 421
Philadelphia, PA 19107
v 215.627.0808

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